Kadena chapel wins AF-level award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tara A. Williamson
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  After being named the best chapel organization in the Pacific Air Forces region, Kadena Air Base's chapel also won the U.S. Air Force's Charles I. Carpenter Award for 2010.

The most recent award distinguishes Kadena as having the most outstanding chapel staff of a large wing, as well as recognizes the wing's mission impact, management, training, ministries and programs offered.

"As 'the best of the best,' Kadena's Chaplain's Corps team models the Chaplain's Corps vision -- Glorifying God, Serving Airmen, Pursuing Excellence -- for the U.S. Air Force, for PACAF, and for Kadena's Airmen," said Gen. Gary North, PACAF commander.

With 17 service members, 27 contractors and hundreds of volunteers, Wing Chaplain Col. Steven McCain, said he believes the award was not just a chapel award, but a Team Kadena award.

"I think there are many deserving chapel teams out there, but I think what set us apart was perhaps our volunteers," Chaplain McCain said. "We were about 50 percent manned for most of the year last year, but our volunteers stepped up to fill those gaps for us. I think it really made all the difference. Not only did we meet our mission, we exceeded our wildest expectations because the people owned it, took joy in it and did a great job."

The chaplain said this prestigious and competitive award was won because the chapel organization mission is "To take care of the flock on the Rock." The community's spirit and faith was what helped the base win this award, he said.